Accessing resources that can help during critical times.
When traumatic events like school shootings are in the news, parents and caregivers are often processing their own feelings while supporting their children in navigating this difficult information. For younger kids, this may be seeing their parents’ reactions and emotions to the news, while teens may be scrolling social media and discussing the event with their friends.
Traumatic events can change the way a child understands the world and undermine their idea of the world as a safe place. Because of this, time is of the essence when children internalize information like this – worries about traumatic events can linger and result in fear, anxiety, etc. The most important thing parents and caregivers can do after traumatic events is to double down on providing a reassuring, consistent relationship with their children.
Healing happens in relationships, so having an open line of conversation will give them space to share any worries they have, address questions or acknowledge emotions.
Caring staff at Boys & Girls Clubs create safe, inclusive spaces to have open dialogues with young people to check in on their emotional and mental health. As a national organization, Boys & Girls Clubs of America provides immediate resources to Clubs to further support their trauma-informed approach after tragedy strikes. Clubs also partner with organizations like the Crisis Text Line and Mental Health First Aid to ensure kids and families have access to resources that can help them during critical times.
Here are some ways to talk with your child or teen about traumatic events:
Additional Resources:
You can learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs “Be There” initiative, supported by the New York Life Foundation, here: /kids-in-need/initiatives/be-there
Boys & Clubs provide safe places, caring mentors and life-enhancing programs that build youth confidence and contribute to an overall healthy physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest resources and stories from Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
This article was previously posted on 9/8/2021.
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